Brief Introduction to Shi-yi Building

     Walking in zigzag Lukang Nine-turns Lane, we raise the heads and find the platform across the long lane. It is well-known Shi-yi Building and the house of rich businessman of Qing Chang Company in Lukang. By Pao Ma building, it connects No. 147 and 149 of Zhongshan road and No. 37 of Jinsheng Ln.

     In early times, the literary trend in Lukang was vigorous. The host of Shi-yi Building was a literatus mastering politics and commerce. Shi-yi Building was constructed as the place for meeting and verse chanting of the scholars who thus appreciated the moon on the top of the building. Many literati met in the place to recite poems and appreciate the tea and moon.

I. Origin of name of Shi-yi Building

     As to origin of name of Shi-yi Building, there are three explanations:

1.Shi-yi Building is the building across Jinsheng Lane and it is the shape of the character “ten (Shi)”.

2.Shi-yi Building is the house of Chen Qi, the former provincial administration commissioner in the Qing dynasty. He often invited ten scholars to meet in the building.

3.The view of the building is excellent and it is the ideal place for playing instruments, chess, reciting poetry, drinking, painting, flower appreciation, moon gazing, playing games, smoking and tea tasting. The scholars could practice their literary pursuits by appreciating the moon, playing the instrument, tasting the tea, drinking, reciting the poems, playing the chess and painting.

     Besides the previous three explanations, Mr. Yen-yu Chuang argued that “ten (Shi)” of Shi-yi Building, as “nine” of “Nine-turns Lane”, represents “numerous”. The building is an ideal place for numerous literary pursuits and it is not limited to ten activities. Shi-yi Building is certainly an elegant name. “In quiet Nine-turns Lane, literary people recite poems in Shi-yi Building”. It is a place where people yearn for.
　

II. Structure of building

     Special Pao Ma Building is installed in Shi-yi Building. Pao Ma Building connects No. 147 and 149 of Zhongshan Road with No. 37 of Jinsheng Lane. The layout from late Qing Dynasty to Japanese Colonial Period remains, such as refined colored pattern, wood sculpture and patio structure in the building, which are characteristic cultural assets of shophouses in Lukang. In 2001, it was registered by Cultural Affairs Bureau, ChangHua County as historic building.

     Owner of these three buildings was well-known Family Chen of Ching Chang Company in the history of Lukang. According to the elderly in Lukang, No. 149, Zhongshan Road was originally “mansion” of the family Chen and it was the place for rental and reception of guests; No. 147, Zhongshan Road was ordinary residence. According to present internal pattern, No. 149 is more splendid than No. 147.

     Three buildings were originally owned by descendants of Family Chen. Afterwards, due to separation of property rights, No. 149, Zhongshan Road was purchased by the family Chuang in 1929. As to history, this study searched for information related to Family Chen from books. As to building, since we could only take pictures in the house by permission of Mr. Yen-yu Chuang, we simply introduced No. 149, Zhongshan Road. Which was the most splendid part among three buildings.

     At present, three buildings connected with Shi-yi Building remain the appearance in Qing Dynasty. The front is Zhongshan road. In the past, it was the famous “Roofed Street”. It was the flourishing commercial area of Lukang. The structure is a long street building with two houses of two halls and one courtyard. In the first hall, there is stair well for goods hoisting and natural lighting. Around the stair well, there are auspicious patterns such as cod fish of wooden sculpture, peony, bamboo and deer. Properly shaped round arch is in the courtyard of the center. Original clay sculpture and Koji Pottery on the arch are mottled. Underneath is Half-side well shared by two houses. With the wooden windows on both sides, the residents can perceive the beauty with primitive simplicity and tranquility.

III. Transportation

     Shi-yi Building is located on Jinsheng Lane (Nine-turns Lane). Exit on Changhua Interchange, turn onto County Expressway 142 toward Lukang, take Zhongshan Road, turn left on Hsinsheng Street, and turn right at the first intersection to arrive at Shi-yi Building.

Take Highway No. 1 and exit on Changhua Interchange -> Take Changlu Road
-> Turn right on Zhongshan Road -> Turn left on Hsinsheng Street
-> Turn right on Jinsheng Lane

( Sources of pictures are the website “Google Map” )

( Pictures are made by the team members. )